In a recent phone conversation, U.S. President Donald Trump reportedly pressed Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu to initiate the withdrawal of Israeli military forces from southern Syria and Lebanon. Trump suggested that the presence of these troops might escalate tensions in the region. In response, Netanyahu is said to have justified the military deployments, emphasizing Israel’s security needs and the importance of maintaining secure border areas.
This exchange between the two leaders comes against the backdrop of ongoing negotiations, supported by the United States, aimed at facilitating the phased withdrawal of Israeli forces from designated “pilot zones” in southern Lebanon. The latest round of these talks, held in Rome, has been described by officials from both Israel and Lebanon as positive, with further discussions planned to advance the withdrawal strategy.
Israeli Foreign Minister Gideon Sa’ar has expressed Israel’s readiness to proceed with the pilot zone agreement. However, he reiterated that addressing security concerns remains a top priority for Israel. The negotiations are a part of a wider diplomatic initiative designed to ease tensions and foster stability along Israel’s northern borders.